Adaptable Platform For A Vehicle

ABSTRACT

An adaptable platform for a vehicle is provided having a main body, at least one support arm, a panel engagement structure, and a working surface arm. The at least one support arm, the panel engagement structure, and the working surface arm are adjustably coupled to the main body. The main body, the at least one support arm, and the panel engagement structure cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure the adaptable platform to the vehicle. The adaptable platform couples to the vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of a driver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstand a force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quickly installed without making a modification to the vehicle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/270,395, filed Jul. 8, 2009, which isincorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vehicle platform adapted to beremovably coupled to a panel of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Travelers, people engaged in business, and others who frequent vehiclestypically have a need for a platform to hold items such as documents,mobile electronic devices, food, or other items. For example, a driveror a passenger of a vehicle may refer to a set of travel directions.Additionally, the driver or the passenger may require a rigid surfacesuitable for writing on. The mobile electronic device may be employed bythe driver or the passenger to access directions, entertainment, orother information. To perform these and other tasks in a vehicle, avariety of devices have been developed to hold items.

Many of the platforms that are available to hold items mount to awindshield of the vehicle. While the platform places the items in aneasily viewable location, the platform typically obstructs a line ofsight of a driver. Consequently, the platform may increase thelikelihood of a vehicular accident.

Other platforms secure themselves within a cupholder or to a portion ofa vehicle dashboard such as a vent. While such platforms may notobstruct the line of sight of the driver, the platforms reduce theconvenience of the vehicle they are used in. For example, such platformsmay occupy the cupholder closest to the driver, block the vents of thevehicle, or inhibit access to the radio or climate controls of thevehicle.

The platform intended to hold documents typically must be designed towithstand a force exerted by the driver or the passenger during writing,as the driver or the passenger may desire to record information while inthe vehicle. The platform coupled to the vehicle using a hook and loopstyle fastener may not be rigid enough to withstand the force exerted bythe driver or the passenger during writing, resulting in the platformbecoming dismounted from the vehicle.

While convenient and non-permanent, the platform that employs thesuctional force also has shortcomings. The platform that employs thesuctional force may become dismounted as a result of changing weatherconditions or the presence of dirt or grime between the suction cup andthe vehicle. Additionally, the suction cup may leave a residue ring onthe windshield visible from inside and outside the vehicle. The residuering blemishes an interior of the vehicle and may alert thieves to apresence of the mobile electronic devices within the vehicle.

Platforms that require the attachment of a portion of the fastener tothe vehicle are similarly disadvantageous. Mounting brackets and thehook and loop style fastener require the attachment of a portion of thefastener to the vehicle, reducing the convenience of such platforms fortemporary use in a second vehicle. Some fasteners require a permanentchange to the vehicle and may damage the vehicle.

It would be advantageous to develop an adaptable platform for a vehiclethat couples to a vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of adriver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstanda force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quicklyinstalled without making a modification to the vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Presently provided by the invention, an adaptable platform for a vehiclethat couples to a vehicle without interfering with a line of sight of adriver or the conveniences of the vehicle, is rigid enough to withstanda force exerted on the platform during writing, and may be quicklyinstalled without making a modification to the vehicle, has surprisinglybeen discovered.

In one embodiment, the present invention is directed towards anadaptable platform for a vehicle having a main body, a first supportarm, a panel engagement structure, and a working surface arm. The firstsupport arm, the panel engagement structure, and the working surface armare coupled to the main body. The main body has a first pivot point.

The first support arm has a first elongate body and a first panelengagement structure. The first support arm is pivotally coupled to thefirst pivot point at a first distal end of the first elongate body. Thefirst panel engagement structure is coupled to a second distal end ofthe first elongate body. A second panel engagement structure is coupledto the main body.

The working surface arm has a rigid body having a substantially planarsurface and a support member. The support member is adjustably coupledto the main body. The main body, the first support arm, the first panelengagement structure, and the second panel engagement structurecooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to secure a position of theworking surface arm with respect to the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above, as well as other advantages of the present invention, willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description when considered in the light of the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of adaptable platform fora vehicle of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a main body of theadaptable platform of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary top plan view of a pivot joint of theadaptable platform of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the adaptable platform of FIG. 1, theadaptable platform installed in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions, directions or other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed are not to be considered as limiting, unless theclaims expressly state otherwise.

FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an adaptable platform 10 for a vehicle according toan embodiment of the present invention. The adaptable platform 10includes a main body 12, a first support arm 14, a second support arm16, a third support arm 18, and a working surface arm 20. As shown, theadaptable platform 10 includes the three support arms 12, 14, 16, but itis understood the adaptable platform 10 may include fewer or more arms.

The main body 12 has a hollow body 22 and a pivot point member 24. Thehollow body 22 is a substantially tube shaped member formed by extrudinga metal such as aluminum, but other processes such as machining orforging may be used. Alternately, the hollow body 22 may be formed froma moldable material such as plastic.

A first distal end of the hollow body 22 forms a ring shaped finish 26thereof. A second distal end of the hollow body 22 includes a firstpivot point 28. As shown, the first pivot point 28 is formed in a pivotpoint insert 30, the pivot point insert 30 is coupled to the hollow body22 by a press fit. Alternately, the pivot point insert 30 may be coupledto the hollow body 22 using an adhesive, a weld, a fastener disposedthrough the hollow body 22, or the like. Further, the first pivot point28 may be formed in the hollow body 22. The first pivot point 28 has afirst axis A. The pivot point 28 has a pivot point fastener 31 disposedtherethrough. The pivot point fastener 31 comprises a bolt threadinglyengaged with a grip knob disposed thereon, but any other adjustablefastener may be used. A resilient pad 32 is disposed on an outer surfaceof the hollow body 22. An adhesive couples the resilient pad 32 to thehollow body 22.

The pivot point member 24 is a solid elongate member having asubstantially rectangular cross-section coupled to the hollow body 22. Ascallop 34 is formed in the pivot point member 24. The scallop 34corresponds to a shape of the hollow body 22. The pivot point member 24is coupled to the hollow body 22 at an intermediate portion thereof. Athreaded fastener is disposed in a perforation formed through the pivotpoint member 24 and is received by a threaded aperture in the hollowbody 22.

A second pivot point 36 and a third pivot point 38 are opposingly formedin the pivot point member 24 adjacent a first distal end and a seconddistal end thereof. Alternately, the second pivot point 36 and the thirdpivot point 38 may be formed in the main body 12. The second pivot point36 has a second axis B and the third pivot point 38 has a third axis C.The second axis B is substantially parallel to the third axis C. Thesecond axis B and the third axis C are substantially perpendicular tothe first axis A. The second pivot point 36 and the third pivot point 38are adjustable pivot points.

The first support arm 14 is a first elongate body having a first portion42, a second portion 44, and a biasing member 46. The second portion 44is slidingly coupled to the first portion 42. The first support arm 14is pivotally coupled to the first pivot point 28 at a first distal endthereof. A second distal end of the first support arm 14 is extensiblewith respect to the first distal end of the first support arm 14.

The first portion 38 of the first support arm 14 is a substantially tubeshaped member having the first distal end of the first support arm 14coupled thereto. The first distal end of the first support arm 14 is amember pivot point insert 48 coupled to the first portion 38 by a pressfit. Alternately, the member pivot point insert 48 may be coupled to thefirst portion 38 by a fastener, an adhesive, or the like. The memberpivot point insert 48 has an aperture formed therethrough. The apertureof the member pivot point insert 48 has an axis aligned with the firstaxis A. A threaded fastener having a grip knob disposed thereon isdisposed through the aperture of the member pivot point insert 48 andthe first pivot point 28 to pivotally couple the first portion 38 to thepivot point insert 30.

The second portion 44 of the first support arm 14 is a cylindricalmember at least partially disposed within the first portion 42. Thesecond portion 44 may be a solid or a hollow member. A diameter of thesecond portion 44 is slightly less than an inner diameter of the firstportion 38. However, the first portion 38 and the second portion 44 mayhave other cross-sectional shapes such as an ellipse, a rectangle, orother closed shapes. The second portion 44 includes an alignment groove50 formed therein and a first panel engagement structure 52 disposedthereon.

The alignment groove 50 is a linear groove formed in the second portion44 having a substantially rectangular cross-section. The alignmentgroove 50 is formed in an intermediate section of the second portion 44.An axis of the second portion 44 is parallel to the alignment groove 50.The alignment groove 50 is a machined groove. However, the alignmentgroove 50 may be a groove formed in the second portion 44 by anextrusion process. A fastener stop 54 or a press fit member is disposedthrough a perforation formed in the first portion 42 and into thealignment groove 50 of the second portion 44, restricting a relativemovement of the second portion 44 within the first portion 42.

The first panel engagement structure 52 is a resilient cup-shaped bodydisposed on the second portion 44 to form the second distal end of thefirst support arm 14. However, the first panel engagement structure 52may be any other shape. A frictional force between the second portion 44and the first panel engagement structure 52 couples the first panelengagement structure 52 thereto. Alternately, an adhesive or a threadedresilient tip may couple the first panel engagement structure 52 to thesecond portion. As shown, the first panel engagement structure 52includes a circular ridge unitarily formed therewith for increasing anfrictional force between the first panel engagement structure 52 and asurface disposed thereagainst.

As shown in FIG. 4, the biasing member 46 is a coil compression spring.The biasing member 46 is formed from a spring steel. However, thebiasing member 46 may also be formed from a stainless steel or othermetal. Further, other urging devices may be used instead of the coilcompression spring.

The biasing member 46 is disposed in the first portion 38 between themember pivot point insert 48 and the second portion 44. The biasingmember 46 is pre-loaded with a compressive force to urge the secondportion 44 away from the member pivot point insert 48. The fastener stop54, or the press fit member disposed through the perforation formed inthe first portion 42, abuts a terminus of the alignment groove 50 andresists the compressive force of the biasing member 46. Alternately, aplurality of perforations may be formed in the first portion 38 and abiased protuberance disposed through an aperture in the second portion44 selectively engages one of the perforations, facilitating adjustmentof a length of the first support arm 14. Further, the first portion 38may be threadingly engaged with the second portion 44 to facilitateadjustment of a length of the first support arm 14. It should be notedthat the aforementioned adjustment mechanisms may also be applied to thesecond support arm 16, the third support arm 18, and the working surfacearm 20. Other embodiments wherein portions of the arms 14, 16, 18, 20move with respect to one another are also within the scope of thepresent invention.

The second support arm 16 is a first elongate body having a firstportion 56, a second portion 58, and a second panel engagement structure60. The second portion 58 is slidingly coupled to the first portion 56.However, the second support arm 16 may also be a rigid unitary supportarm. The second support arm 16 is pivotally coupled to the second pivotpoint 36 at a first distal end thereof by a support arm fastener 62.However, the second support arm 16 may also be a rigid support arm. Asecond distal end of the second support arm 16 is extensible withrespect to the first distal end of the second support arm 16. The secondsupport arm 16 includes a resilient pad 63 disposed thereon. An adhesivecouples the resilient pad 63 to the second support arm 16.

The first portion 56 is a substantially tube shaped member. The firstdistal end of the second support arm 16 is a stepped sleeve 64perpendicularly welded to the first portion 56. Alternately, the steppedsleeve 64 may be coupled to the second support arm 16 by a press fit, afastener, an adhesive, or the like. An axis of the stepped sleeve 64 isaligned with the second axis B. The support arm fastener 62 comprises abolt and a screw knob. Alternately, any other adjustable fastener may beused. A head portion of the bolt of the support arm fastener 62 isreceived by the stepped sleeve 64. A threaded portion of the bolt isdisposed through the second pivot point 36 of the pivot point member 24and the screw knob is threadingly engaged therewith to couple the secondsupport arm 16 to the main body 12.

The first portion 56 is adjustably coupled to the second portion 58 by aknob fastener 65 disposed in a threaded aperture formed through thefirst portion 56. The second portion 58 of the second support arm 16 isa hollow cylindrical member at least partially disposed within the firstportion 56. Alternately, the second portion 58 may be a solid member. Adiameter of the second portion 58 is slightly less than an innerdiameter of the first portion 56. However, the first portion 56 and thesecond portion 58 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as anellipse, a rectangle, or other polygons. The second panel engagementstructure 60 is coupled to the second distal end of the second supportarm 16.

The second panel engagement structure 60 is a wedge shaped body formedfrom a resilient material such as rubber. Other elastomers may be usedto form the second panel engagement structure 60. As shown in FIGS. 1and 4, the second panel engagement structure 60 is a triangular prismhaving a support face 66, an engagement face 68, and a mounting face 70.The support face 66 is substantially perpendicular to the mounting face70. An angle formed between the support face 66 and the engagement face68 is about 40 degrees, however any other angle may be used. Further,the second panel engagement structure 60 may be any other shape such asany polyhedron, a sphere, or a cone. The second panel engagementstructure 60 has a threaded stud (not shown) disposed therein and asuction cup 72 disposed thereon. However, embodiments of the inventionnot including the suction cup 72 are within the scope of the invention.

The threaded stud is disposed in an aperture formed in the mounting face70 of the second panel engagement structure 60. An adhesive couples thethreaded stud to the second panel engagement structure 60, however otherfasteners may be used. Further, the threaded stud may be molded into thesecond panel engagement structure 60. The threaded stud is threadinglyreceived by a stud insert (not shown) disposed in the second distal endof the second support arm 16. Alternately, any other type of fastenermay be used to couple the second panel engagement structure 60 to thesecond support arm 16.

The suction cup 72 is a suction cup as is known in the art. The suctioncup 72 is formed from polyvinyl chloride. However, any other resilientmaterial may be used to form the suction cup 72. The suction cup 72 hasa post portion (not shown) disposed in an aperture formed in theengagement face 68. A fastener is disposed through the second panelengagement structure 60 and the post portion to couple the suction cup72 thereto. Alternately, the suction cup 72 may be coupled to the secondpanel engagement structure 60 with an adhesive or the suction cup 72 maybe molded into the second panel engagement structure 60.

The third support arm 18 is a first elongate body having a first portion74, a second portion 76, and a third panel engagement structure 78. Thesecond portion 76 is slidingly coupled to the first portion 74. However,the third support arm 18 may also be a rigid unitary support arm. Thethird support arm 18 is pivotally coupled to the third pivot point 38 ata first distal end thereof by a support arm fastener 80. A second distalend of the third support arm 18 is extensible with respect to the firstdistal end of the third support arm 18. The third support arm 18includes a resilient pad 81 disposed thereon. An adhesive couples theresilient pad 81 to the third support arm 18.

The first portion 74 is a substantially tube shaped member. The firstdistal end of the third support arm 18 is a stepped sleeve 82perpendicularly welded to the first portion 74. Alternately, the steppedsleeve 82 may be coupled to the third support arm 18 by a press fit, afastener, an adhesive, or the like. An axis of the stepped sleeve 82 isaligned with the third axis C. The support arm fastener 80 comprises abolt and a screw knob. Alternately, any other adjustable fastener may beused. A head portion of the bolt of the support arm fastener 80 isreceived by the stepped sleeve 82. A threaded portion of the bolt isdisposed through the third pivot point 38 of the pivot point member 24and the screw knob is threadingly engaged therewith to couple the thirdsupport arm 18 to the main body 12.

The first portion 74 is adjustably coupled to the second portion 76 by aknob fastener 83 disposed in a threaded aperture formed through thefirst portion 74. The second portion 76 of the third support arm 18 is ahollow cylindrical member at least partially disposed within the firstportion 74. Alternately, the second portion 76 may be a solid member. Adiameter of the second portion 76 is slightly less than an innerdiameter of the first portion 74. However, the first portion 74 and thesecond portion 76 may have other cross-sectional shapes such as anellipse, a rectangle, or other polygons. The third panel engagementstructure 78 is coupled to the second distal end of the third supportarm 18.

The third panel engagement structure 78 is a wedge shaped body formedfrom a resilient material such as rubber. Other elastomers may be usedto form the third panel engagement structure 78. As shown in FIGS. 1 and4, the third panel engagement structure 78 is a triangular prism havinga support face 84, an engagement face 86, and a mounting face 88. Thesupport face 84 is substantially perpendicular to the mounting face 88.An angle formed between the support face 84 and the engagement face 86is about 40 degrees, however any other angle may be used. Further, thethird panel engagement structure 78 may be any other shape such as anypolyhedron, a sphere, or a cone. The third panel engagement structure 78has a threaded stud (not shown) disposed therein and a suction cup 90disposed thereon. However, embodiments of the invention not includingthe suction cup 90 are within the scope of the invention.

The threaded stud is disposed in an aperture formed in the mounting face88 of the third panel engagement structure 78. An adhesive couples thethreaded stud to the third panel engagement structure 78, however otherfasteners may be used. Further, the threaded stud may be molded into thethird panel engagement structure 78. The threaded stud is threadinglyreceived by a stud insert (not shown) disposed in the second distal endof the third support arm 18. Alternately, any other type of fastener maybe used to couple the third panel engagement structure 78 to the thirdsupport arm 18.

The suction cup 90 is a suction cup as is known in the art. The suctioncup 90 is formed from polyvinyl chloride. However, any other resilientmaterial may be used to form the suction cup 90. The suction cup 90 hasa post portion (not shown) disposed in an aperture formed in theengagement face 86. A fastener is disposed through the third panelengagement structure 78 and the post portion to couple the suction cup90 thereto. Alternately, the suction cup 90 may be coupled to the thirdpanel engagement structure 78 with an adhesive or the suction cup 90 maybe molded into the third panel engagement structure 78.

The working surface arm 20 is an adjustable body having a support member92, a rigid body 94, and a pivot joint 96. However, the working surfacearm 20 may also be a rigid body or a portion of the main body 12. Thesupport member 92 is slidingly coupled to the main body 12. The pivotjoint 94 adjustably couples the support member 92 to the rigid body 96.

The support member 92 is a hollow cylindrical member having a firstdistal end (not shown) at least partially disposed in the ring shapedfinish 26 of the main body 12. Alternately, the support member 92 may bea solid member and may have other cross-sectional shapes such as anellipse, a rectangle, or other polygons. A diameter of the supportmember 92 is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the ring shapedfinish 26. The support member 92 is adjustably coupled to the main body12 by a knob fastener 97 disposed in a threaded aperture formed throughthe main body 12.

The rigid body 94 may be a rectangular body having a substantiallyplanar surface 98. A clip 100 and a flange 102 are coupled to the rigidbody 94. The rigid body 94 has a thickness of about five millimeters,however any other thickness or a varying thickness may be used. Further,the rigid body 94 may have other shapes such as any quadrilateral, acircle, an ellipse, a combination of linear and arcuate sections, or anyother closed shape. A plurality of corners of the rigid body 94 arerounded. The rigid body 94 is formed from a polycarbonate, however othermaterials such as other polymers, a metal, a wood, a fiberboard, or anyother rigid material may be used. The rigid body 94 is a transparentbody, but the rigid body may also be an opaque body or a translucentbody. It should be noted that a container or an aperture may be formedin the rigid body 94 to accommodate writing materials or any other item.

The clip 100 comprises a wire bale hingedly coupled to a bale mountingmember, the bale mounting member coupled to the rigid body 94. The wirebale is urged towards the substantially planar surface by a biasingmember to selectively couple a document or other item to the rigid body94. Alternately, any other style of retention device may be coupled tothe rigid body 94 to selectively couple items to the rigid body 94.

The flange 102 is an elongate member formed on at least a portion of aperipheral edge of the rigid body 94 for supporting items disposedthereon. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the flange 102 is obliquely coupledto the rigid body 94 by an adhesive. Alternately, the flange 102 may beany other shape and may be unitarily formed with the rigid body 94 orcoupled thereto using a fastener. The flange 102 includes two flangesupports opposingly disposed between the flange 102 and the rigid bodyat distal ends thereof. The flange supports are coupled to the flange102 and the rigid body 94 with an adhesive. However the flange supportsmay be unitarily formed with the flange 102 or coupled to the flange 102and the rigid body 94 using a plurality of fasteners. An indent 104 isalso formed in the flange 102. The indent 104 is substantiallyrectangular in shape and is centrally formed in the flange 102. However,the indent 104 may be any other shape and may be formed in any portionof the flange 102.

The pivot joint 96 adjustably couples the rigid body 94 to the supportmember 92. The pivot joint 96 includes a first ball pivot 106, a secondball pivot 108, a pivot joint body 110, and a pivot joint fastener 112.At least a portion of the first ball pivot 106 and the second ball pivot108 are disposed in the pivot joint body 110 to adjustably couple therigid body 94 to the support member 92. It is understood that any otheradjustable coupler may be used to couple the rigid body 94 to thesupport member 92 instead of the pivot joint 96. The pivot joint body110 comprises a first joint body portion 114 and a second joint bodyportion 116.

The first ball pivot 106 is a body having a spherical portion and a postportion. The post portion is molded to the spherical portion, howeverthe post portion may be coupled to the spherical portion with anadhesive or other fastener. The spherical portion is formed from aresilient material such as rubber, however other elastomers may be used.Further, the spherical portion may be formed from a rigid material suchas aluminum, a polymer, or other material. The post portion is disposedin the second distal end of the support member 92 and coupled thereto bya set screw disposed in a threaded aperture formed through the supportmember 92. Alternately, the post portion may be coupled to the supportmember 92 with an adhesive, a weld, or other fastener.

The second ball pivot 108 is a body having a spherical portion and abase portion. The base portion includes a unitarily formed base postextending therefrom. The base post is molded to the spherical portion,however the base post may be coupled to the spherical portion with anadhesive or other fastener. The spherical portion is formed from aresilient material such as rubber, however other elastomers may be used.Further, the spherical portion may be formed from a rigid material suchas aluminum, a polymer, or other material. The base portion is arectangular body coupled to the rigid body 94. A plurality of fastenersis disposed through perforations formed in the rigid body 94 and throughperforations formed in the base portion, coupling the base portion tothe rigid body 94. Alternately, the base portion may be coupled to therigid body by an adhesive, a weld, or any other fastener. Further, thebase portion or the base post may be unitarily formed with the rigidbody 94.

The first joint body portion 114 and the second joint body portion 116are formed from aluminum by casting, however the first joint bodyportion 114 and the second joint body portion 116 may also be formedfrom a steel, a plastic, or other material. Further, the first jointbody portion 114 and the second joint body portion 116 may be formed bya machining, a forging, or a molding process.

The first joint body portion 114 comprises a first cavity 118, a secondcavity 120, and a first coupling aperture 122 formed therein. The firstcavity 118 and the second cavity 120 are concave surfaces respectivelyand opposingly formed in a first distal end and a second distal end ofthe first joint body portion 114. A radius of curvature of the firstcavity 118 and the second cavity 120 substantially correspondrespectively to a diameter of the first ball pivot 106 and the secondball pivot 108. The first coupling aperture 122 is an aperture formedthrough the first joint body portion 114 between the first distal endand the second distal end. The first joint body portion 114 includes afastener recess formed therein corresponding to the first couplingaperture 122.

The second joint body portion 116 comprises a first cavity 124, a secondcavity 126, and a second coupling aperture 128 formed therein. The firstcavity 124 and the second cavity 126 are concave surfaces respectivelyand opposingly formed in a first distal end and a second distal end ofthe second joint body portion 116. A radius of curvature of the firstcavity 124 and the second cavity 126 substantially correspondrespectively to a diameter of the first ball pivot 106 and the secondball pivot 108. The second coupling aperture 128 is an aperture formedthrough the first joint body portion 114 between the first distal endand the second distal end.

The pivot joint fastener 112 comprises a bolt and a T-knob. The T-knobhas a threaded aperture formed therein and the bolt has a threadedportion. Alternately, any other type of fastener may be used instead ofthe pivot joint fastener 112.

In preparation of assembly of the pivot joint 96, the first joint bodyportion 114 is disposed adjacent the second joint body portion 116. Thefirst coupling aperture 122 is aligned with the second coupling aperture128 and the first and second distal ends of the first joint body portion114 are respectively aligned with the first and second distal ends ofthe second joint body portion 116. The first ball pivot 106 and thesecond ball pivot 108 are loosely disposed respectively between thefirst cavities 118, 124 and the second cavities 120, 126. The bolt isdisposed through the first coupling aperture 122 and the second couplingaperture 128. A shape of the fastener recess substantially correspondsto a shape of a head of the bolt, militating against a rotation of thebolt therein.

Next, the threaded aperture of the T-knob threadingly receives thethreaded portion of the bolt. The pivot joint fastener 112 urges thefirst joint body portion 114 towards the second joint body portion 116,confining the first ball pivot 106 between the first cavity 118 of thefirst joint body portion 114 and the first cavity 124 of the secondjoint body portion 116. Similarly, the second cavity 120 of the firstjoint body portion 114 and the second cavity 126 of the second jointbody portion 116 confine the second ball pivot 108 therebetween.

The main body 12, the first support arm 14, the second support arm 16,and the third support arm 18 cooperate with a plurality of vehiclepanels to secure a position of the working surface arm 20 with respectto the vehicle in which the adaptable platform 10 is disposed. As shownin FIG. 4, the adaptable platform 10 is typically disposed between awindshield 140 and a dashboard 142 of the vehicle. However, theadaptable platform may be positioned between other vehicle panels.

Prior to use, a user of the adaptable platform 10 must install theadaptable platform 10. An intersection of the dashboard 140 and thewindshield 142 and an area adjacent the intersection forms a panelinterface area 144. In anticipation of installation, the user positionsthe first support arm 14, the second support arm 16, and the thirdsupport arm 18. Typically, the user positions the second support arm 16and the third support arm 18 obliquely to the main body 12 so that thesuction cups 72, 90 contact the windshield 142. As a non-limitingexample, an angle of about 90 degrees between the second support arm 16and the third support arm 18 is a preferable installation angle for manydashboards. The user loosens the support arm fasteners 62, 80, placesthe second support arm 16 and the third support arm 18 in a desiredposition, and tightens the support arm fasteners 62, 80. Similarly, theuser rotates the first support arm 14 into a desired position about thefirst pivot point 28 by adjusting the pivot point fastener 31.Preferably, the user positions the first support arm 14 at an angle withrespect to the main body 12 that results in the first support arm 14being substantially perpendicular to the windshield 142. The user mayalso adjust a length of each of the support arms 16, 18 by looseningeach of the knob fasteners 65, 83 disposed in the first portions 42, 56,adjusting each of the support arms 16, 18 to a desired length, andtightening the knob fasteners 65, 83.

Next, the user places the adaptable platform 10 on the dashboard 140 ofthe vehicle. Ideally, each of the resilient pads 32, 63, 81 contacts thedashboard 140. The resilient pads 32, 63, 81 protect the dashboard 140and may allow the main body 12 and the support arms 16, 18 to adapt to acontour of the dashboard 140. However, as a result of the contour of thedashboard 140, one or more of the resilient pads 32, 63, 81 may notcontact the dashboard 140. The user positions the adaptable platform 10so the second panel engagement structure 60 and the third panelengagement structure 78 are disposed in the panel interface area 144.The support faces 66, 84 abut the dashboard 140 and the suction cups 72,90 are disposed against and suctionally couple the respective panelengagement structures 60, 78 to the windshield 142. In embodiments ofthe present invention not including the suction cups 72, 90, theengagement faces 68, 86 are disposed against the windshield 142.Simultaneously, the user applies a force to the second portion 44 of thefirst support arm 14, compressing the biasing member 46 and shorteningthe length of the first support arm 14. Upon disposition of the panelengagement structures 60, 78 in the panel interface area 144, the userreleases the second portion 44. The biasing member 46 urges the secondportion 44 and the first panel engagement structure 52 away from thefirst portion 42. When the adaptable platform 10 is properly configured,the first panel engagement structure 52 abuts the windshield 142 beforethe fastener stop 54 abuts a terminus of the alignment groove 50.Accordingly, the compressive force stored in the biasing member 46 urgesthe main body 12, the second support arm 16, and the third support arm18 towards the dashboard 140. A frictional force generated between theresilient pads 32, 63, 81 and the dashboard 140 and a suctional forcebetween the suction cups 72, 90 and the windshield 142 secure theadaptable platform 10 with respect to the vehicle.

After the adaptable platform 10 has been installed in the vehicle, theuser may position the working surface arm 20 as desired. A length of thesupport member 92 may be adjusted by the user to move the rigid body 94closer to or further away from the dashboard 140 by loosening the knobfastener 97 disposed through the main body 12. Once a desired length ofthe support member 92 is obtained, the user tightens the knob fastener97 to secure the support member 92 within the first joint body portion114 and the second joint body portion 116.

Finally, the user may position the rigid body 94 as desired by adjustingthe pivot joint 96. By loosening the T-knob of the pivot joint fastener112, a frictional force between the first ball pivot 106 and the firstcavities 118, 124 and the second ball pivot 108 and the second cavities120, 126 is reduced. Accordingly, the user may rotate the pivot joint 96and the rigid body 94 respectively about the first ball pivot 106 andthe second ball pivot 108. The user may rotate the rigid body 94 into aposition for reading of documents, using the rigid body 94 as a writingsurface, using the rigid body 94 as a horizontal support surface, or anyother task. After locating a desirable position for the rigid body 94,the user tightens the pivot joint fastener 112 to secure the first ballpivot 106 and the second ball pivot 108 within the pivot joint fastener112.

It should be noted that adaptable platform 10 minimizes an intrusioninto a line of sight of the user through the windshield 142 by affordingthe user to position the rigid body 94, or a significant portion of therigid body 94, below a horizontal portion of the dashboard 140.Inconvenience to the user is minimized as controls located on a verticalportion of the dashboard 140 may be seen by the user by looking throughthe rigid body 94. Further, the adaptable platform 10 is rigid enough towithstand a significant force on the rigid body 94 that may be exertedthereon during writing. Still further, the adaptable platform 10 may bequickly installed in the vehicle without making a modification thereto,facilitating use of the adaptable platform 10 in more than one vehicle.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the presentinvention has been described in what is considered to represent itspreferred embodiments. However, it should be noted that the inventioncan be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated anddescribed without departing from its spirit or scope.

1. An adaptable platform for a vehicle, comprising: a main body having afirst pivot point; a first support arm comprising a first elongate bodyand a first panel engagement structure, the first support arm pivotallycoupled to the first pivot point at a first distal end of the firstelongate body and the first panel engagement structure coupled to asecond distal end of the first elongate body; a second panel engagementstructure, the second panel engagement structure coupled to the mainbody; and a working surface arm comprising a rigid body having asubstantially planar surface and a support member, the support memberadjustably coupled to said main body, wherein said main body, said firstsupport arm, the first panel engagement structure, and said second panelengagement structure cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels tosecure a position of the working surface arm with respect to thevehicle.
 2. The vehicle platform of claim 1, wherein said second panelengagement structure is a wedge shaped structure.
 3. The vehicleplatform of claim 1, wherein the second distal end of said first supportarm is extensible with respect to the first distal end of said firstsupport arm.
 4. The vehicle platform of claim 1, wherein said workingsurface arm includes a pivot joint, the pivot joint adjustably couplingthe rigid body to the support member.
 5. The vehicle platform of claim1, wherein said main body includes a fastener disposed therethrough, thefastener adjustably coupling said working surface arm to said main body.6. An adaptable platform for a vehicle, comprising: a main body having afirst pivot point, a second pivot point, and a third pivot point; afirst support arm comprising a first elongate body and a first panelengagement structure, said first support arm pivotally coupled to thefirst pivot point at a first distal end of the first elongate body andthe first panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end ofthe first elongate body; a second support arm comprising a secondelongate body and a second panel engagement structure, said secondsupport arm pivotally coupled to the second pivot point at a firstdistal end of the second elongate body and the second panel engagementstructure coupled to a second distal end of the second elongate body; athird support arm comprising a third elongate body and a third panelengagement structure, said third support arm pivotally coupled to thethird pivot point at a first distal end of the third elongate body andthe third panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end ofthe third elongate body; and a working surface arm comprising a rigidbody having a substantially planar surface and a support member, saidworking surface arm adjustably coupled to said main body, wherein saidmain body, said first support arm, said second support arm, and saidthird support arm cooperate with a plurality of vehicle panels to securea position of the working surface arm with respect to the vehicle. 7.The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein said main body comprises ahollow body and a pivot point member coupled to the hollow body, whereinthe first pivot point is formed in a distal end of the hollow body andthe second pivot point and the third pivot point are formed in the pivotpoint member.
 8. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the seconddistal end of said first support arm is extensible with respect to thefirst distal end of said first support arm.
 9. The vehicle platform ofclaim 6, wherein the second distal ends of each of said first supportarm, said second support arm, and said third support arm arerespectively extensible with respect to the first distal ends of each ofsaid first support arm, said second support arm, and said third supportarm.
 10. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the second panelengagement structure and the third panel engagement structure are wedgeshaped structures.
 11. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein therigid body includes a flange formed on at least a portion of aperipheral edge of the rigid body.
 12. The vehicle platform of claim 6,wherein the second panel engagement structure and the third panelengagement structure each include a suction cup coupled thereto.
 13. Thevehicle platform of claim 6, wherein the first elongate body includes afirst portion, a second portion slidingly coupled to the first portion,and a biasing member, wherein the biasing member urges the secondportion of the first elongate body away from the first portion of thefirst elongate body.
 14. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein eachof the first pivot point, the second pivot point, and the third pivotpoint are adjustable pivot points having a fastener disposedtherethrough.
 15. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein said mainbody includes a fastener disposed therethrough, the fastener adjustablycoupling said working surface arm to said main body.
 16. The vehicleplatform of claim 6, wherein said main body, said second support arm,and said third support arm each include a resilient pad disposedthereon.
 17. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein an axis of thesecond pivot point is substantially parallel to an axis of the thirdpivot point, and an axis of the first pivot point is substantiallyperpendicular to the axis of the second pivot point and the axis of thethird pivot point.
 18. The vehicle platform of claim 6, wherein saidworking surface arm includes a pivot joint, the pivot joint adjustablycoupling the rigid body to the support member.
 19. The vehicle platformof claim 18, wherein the pivot joint comprises a first ball pivotcoupled to a distal end of the support member, a second ball pivotcoupled to the rigid body, and a pivot joint body, wherein at least aportion of the first ball pivot and the second ball pivot are disposedin the pivot joint body.
 20. An adaptable platform for a vehicle,comprising: a main body having a first adjustable pivot point, a secondadjustable pivot point, and a third adjustable pivot point, an axis ofthe second adjustable pivot point substantially parallel to an axis ofthe third adjustable pivot point and an axis of the first adjustablepivot point substantially perpendicular to the axis of the secondadjustable pivot point and the third adjustable pivot point; a firstsupport arm comprising a first portion, a second portion slidinglycoupled to the first portion, a biasing member, and a first panelengagement structure, the biasing member urging the second portion ofthe first support arm away from the first portion of said first supportarm, said first support arm pivotally coupled to the first adjustablepivot point at a first distal end of said first support arm and thefirst panel engagement structure coupled to a second distal end of saidfirst support arm; a second support arm comprising a second elongatebody and a second panel engagement structure, the second panelengagement structure being a wedge shaped structure, said second supportarm pivotally coupled to the second adjustable pivot point at a firstdistal end of the second elongate body and the second panel engagementstructure coupled to a second distal end of the second elongate body; athird support arm comprising a third elongate body and a third panelengagement structure, the third panel engagement structure being a wedgeshaped structure, said third support arm pivotally coupled to the thirdadjustable pivot point at the first distal end of the third elongatebody and the third panel engagement structure coupled to a second distalend of the third elongate body; and a working surface arm comprising arigid body having a substantially planar surface, a support member, anda pivot joint adjustably coupling the rigid body to the support member,said working surface arm adjustably coupled to said main body, the rigidbody having a flange formed on at least a portion of a peripheral edgeof the rigid body, wherein said main body, said first support arm, saidsecond support arm, and said third support arm cooperate with aplurality of vehicle panels to secure a position of said working surfacearm with respect to the vehicle.